VELLORE: The growth and development of the VIT University would have gladdened the heart of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai had he been alive today. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor has shown to the world that not only the people of the west but even the Tamils could excel in science and technology, K. Anbazhagan, Finance Minister, said here on Wednesday.

He was speaking after unveiling the statue of E.V. Ramasamy and inaugurating the Suu Kyi Block (ladies hostel) on the VIT University campus. Mr. Anbazhagan said he was glad that Mr. Viswanathan had developed the VIT University to a level where it enhanced the stature of the Tamils.

The fact that Mr. Viswanathan, who calls himself a rationalist and true follower of Periyar, could develop the institution to such a level as to attract thousands of foreign students showed what the followers of Periyar were capable of.

Mr. Viswanathan, who presided, said that education alone could rescue people from superstitious beliefs.

The statue of Periyar, which was being unveiled in the VIT University, was an act of remembering a great leader who believed that education alone could bring about social reformation.

Mr. Viswanathan regretted that no country had evinced any interest in securing the release of Aung San Suu Kyi (after whom the ladies hostel block has been named), a pro-democracy activist and leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar who continues to be under detention since 1989 in her country for having founded the League.

Neighbouring countries should support the efforts of those in Myanmar who are trying to secure the release of the leader, he said.

Mr. Anbazhagan earlier released a book titled, ‘Naan Kanda Anna’ written by M.S. Venkatachalam of Tiruchi, a follower of Annadurai. Mr. Viswanathan received the first copy.